Which member do you want to be with, at this moment?

Post Reply New Topic

Hale_Bopp

It's quite easy really, but there are little tricks and 'knacks' to everything. Ideally, find someone with a bit of experience and have a weekend boating with them to pick up the basics.

The main thing to remember is that everything happens slowly but with an air of total inevitability. There's a book called "Narrow Dog to Carcassonne" which I heartily recommend you read - there's a line in it somewhere about sixteen tons of steel and crockery hitting the bank, and it's very true. All major incidents are accompanied by the sound of falling crockery and this is nothing to be afraid of. The trick is to take your time so that, when you do hit something, you'll do it gently. Narrowboating is a contact sport - the idea is to hit things with grace and panache and minimal damage. The boats are a ridiculous shape, really, and are a bugger to steer as a result, but that's part of the fun.

It's hard to describe these things in words. Basically, narrowboats are unwieldy. But because they are challenging and the locks are quite hard work, the rewards are absolutely huge. Get one simple manouvre right and you feel like a God for the rest of the day. Dan managed to pull the perfect move last year, we had to parallel moor at Fladbury alongside a very smart private boat with an aged, experienced crew and he whispered alongside it and stopped dead on. We still speak of it in hushed tones. And then the elderly crew of the adjoining boat said we could play football in the field if we wanted, and we said f**k off, we're off to the pub.

The whole pace is so slow and the pubs are nice and the people you meet are so friendly....

"Narrow Dog" describes these things in a deadpan way, but I think you'll see the charm and humour that lies beneath. It's relaxing and wonderful and you see the countryside and get to visit lots of pubs and the locks are hard work but good fun. Just take your time, and stay calm.

If you have any particular queries please PM me.

P.S. If you are nervous about trying new things, bear in mind I am terrified of anything new or responsibility of any kind, but after a one week holiday four years ago I was totally hooked. We've been back every year, even though my original reason for being there (the girl I love) has long since disappeared from my life. It feels like my home now - I am myself when I am on a boat, and biding my time when on dry land. It's a funny thing, like that.

KBABZ

Anubis, because he's so awesome.

Then I can show you DMC3!

Wanna know how a devil may cry?

Kick 'em in the cojones.....

Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk...

Starbuline.

lonewolf, she's my age

Starbuline for her russian obsession
Ahayes because he's an SG 1 fan
Anubis because he's an SG 1 fan.

but mainly probably anyone who is just out to have fun, kick back, and relax.

KBABZ
Gamester
Tinky
Unknown
CockneyRebel
Ahayes
Anubis
RedMage
Nicklegends

I must say, I've never joined a forum and been mentioned in a "who'd you most like to be with" topic within three hours before. If that's the case with everybody, then... I want to be with everybody.

Well you seem like a nice enough person. You even live where I do!!

How do you know?

RedMage, so we can play a co-op FPS.

Co-op FPSes are awesome!